Today my son left for San Diego 07/24/2011. The journey up to this point has made me prouder then ever and I'm sure there are more proud moments ahead. From a young kid who had no direction in life, (not even graduating H.S.

Our son shipped out to PI on 10/24/11. My wife and I have always seen him as a Marine ever since he was just a little guy. He made the decision to join on his own. He worked hard physically to make sure he was fit to join.

I am a proud Marine of 21 1/2 years of service. This morning I felt compelled to share my story. As I am writing this story my son is in recruit training. I can't explain the pride I feel as each day passes in his journey to earn the title "MARINE".